Indian Chief Dual Sport – Cannon Ball Baker Run Bike Photos

May 2, 2014

Indian’s Robert Pandya took a development bike from their engineering department and converted it into a ‘dual sport’ with the help of friends and will ride cross-country on it to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Erwin ‘Cannon Ball’ Baker’s historic ride.

Meet 'Elnora,' an Indian Chief development bike that's received new life as a 'dual sport' that will soon be embarking on a coast-to-coast journey.

Jeb Scolman of Jeb's Metal and Speed helped twist up some new pipes, cut a bash plate, and modified the fenders.

Erwin 'Cannon Ball' Baker made his historic motorcycle journey across the States 100 years ago on a 7 hp twin-cylinder engine, a feat Robert is hoping to recreate and honor on his Indian dual-purpose motorcycle.

Saddlemen stepped up to provide the sprung solo seat that will soon be Robert's best friend - or worst enemy, depending on the roughness of the roads.

Be careful Robert! There's a whole lot of power coming from the Thunder Stroke 111 for dirt riding.

It will be a glorious ride into the sunset as Pandya, Don Emde, and 23 others embark on a cross-country journey along the same route as Erwin 'Cannon Ball' Baker.

Crash guards, a bash plate, and heavier grooves in the tires give the Indian 'dual sport' a bit more off-road capability.

It was a labor of love, but Pandya and friends finished the Indian project bike just in time to give it a cross-country shakedown.

The project started with a stock 2014 Indian Chief frame and Thunder Stroke 111 engine.

Indian Motorcycle External Relation Manager Robert Pandya, an avid dual sport rider, is eager to test out the Indian Chief 'dual sport' he affectionately dubbed 'Elnora' on Cannon Ball Baker's cross-country route.